Are There Different Types of Epoxy Floor Systems for Orlando Homeowners?

A Closer Look at Portland-Limestone Cement
and the Questions It Raises

In the race toward reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future, the construction industry has placed significant emphasis on material innovation. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent years is the rise of 1L concrete, also known as Type 1L Portland-limestone cement (PLC). While its environmental intentions are clear, the execution and field performance of this material have sparked deep concerns among contractors, finishers, and construction professionals across the country.

What Is 1L Concrete?

1L concrete is a blended cement product made by intergrinding Portland cement clinker with up to 15% finely ground limestone. It falls under ASTM C595 and was promoted as a more sustainable option than traditional Type I or Type II cement, with a claimed reduction in embodied carbon of about 10%.
This transition is part of a broader movement toward lowering the construction industry’s carbon footprint. However, for many professionals working in the field every day, the reality of 1L’s performance has not aligned with its promise.

Why the Push—And Why the Pushback?

Advocates of 1L cement cite decades of successful use in Europe and a growing need for climate-conscious practices. Major producers in the U.S. began shifting almost entirely to Type 1L in 2022 and 2023, often with little consultation or consideration for the practical realities faced by contractors and specialty finishers.
This sudden change, often framed as a “drop-in replacement,” has led to a number of serious challenges:
Surface Defects & Finish Failures
Many contractors have reported inconsistent finish quality, scaling, dusting, and difficulty achieving color uniformity in decorative and exposed applications. In some cases, these issues have led to litigation over failed installations.

Lack of Field Testing & Support

Although some densifiers and admixtures are being promoted as compatible with 1L, most have not undergone sufficient independent testing to ensure reliable long-term performance. Contractors are left to troubleshoot on their own, often at their own expense.

Distrust from the Field

For many in the construction world, especially those working on architectural concrete, decorative finishes, or high-performance surfaces, the lack of transparency and technical support has created a deep sense of frustration and mistrust.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

While many material producers remain committed to 1L cement, an increasing number of contractors, specifiers, and consultants are raising red flags. Some are now avoiding 1L altogether in high-exposure projects or are specifying additional treatments, sealers, or surface hardeners to compensate for performance issues.
Yet even these remedies come with asterisks: most haven’t been thoroughly tested alongside 1L, and results vary based on climate, substrate, and finishing practices. While some contractors are beginning to find combinations that work, there is no universally endorsed solution at this time.

Proceeding with Caution

There’s no question that sustainability is an urgent priority—but true sustainability must also account for durability, performance, and constructability. When cement fails in the field, the environmental impact of replacement materials and labor far outweighs any initial carbon savings.
As the industry continues to explore lower-carbon alternatives, many experts are calling for a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach—one that includes rigorous testing, real-world data, and support for the contractors on the front lines of implementation.

The Bottom Line

1L concrete may represent a step toward sustainability, but for now, it’s a step that should be taken with full awareness of its limitations. The current landscape demands caution, continued evaluation, and an honest dialogue between producers and practitioners.
Until field data improves and manufacturers take stronger accountability for performance, the use of 1L cement should be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially in projects where finish quality, color uniformity, or long-term durability are critical.

Epoxy Color Flake Samples

Epoxy Color Flake Samples

In response to the question of whether there are different types of epoxy floor systems for homeowners in Orlando, the answer is yes. However, each has a specific purpose, meaning the formula is for a specific application. If you want to enjoy all the benefits that epoxy offers, one of these systems will work perfectly for your needs.

Epoxy Terrazzo

For epoxy floor systems, the first type is terrazzo. For concrete substrates, an expert applies this topping just 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch thick. After applied the epoxy floor must be ground and polished exposing aggregate and then the floor looks like tiny mosaic tile. Although you have unlimited design options, typically, this flooring solution is the preferred choice when you want to create unique designs or colorful checkered patterns and you have a large budget to work with as these floors are time consuming and very expensive.

A professional installer can add pigments to epoxy terrazzo, which gives you endless color possibilities. Another option is to have special aggregates added to the formula. With things like recycled glass, granite or marble chips, synthetic materials, and even mother of pearl, your new floor will come to life. While all epoxy floor systems are durable, this one is almost indestructible, making it perfect for homes, commercial businesses, and industrial environments.

Clear Epoxy Floor Coating

Clear Epoxy Floor Coating

Metallic Epoxy

Another one of the best epoxy floor systems contains metallic flakes. Along with a broad range of color choices, the installer can add a slight or dense volume of chips that make the surface shimmer and shine. Depending on what you choose, your floor will transform into patinas that look like genuine silver, aged bronze, or nickel. As for additives, some consist of reflective pigments, while others are metallic powders. Again, metallic flake epoxy floor systems look incredible for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Garage Floor Coatings

Most people associate epoxy floor systems with garage floors since they are the most popular choice. Along with incredible colors, these floors are resistant to impact, moisture, chemicals, stains, and abrasions. Because of that, they will provide years of service at your Orlando home yet remain beautiful.

My cart
Your cart is empty.

Looks like you haven't made a choice yet.